Wake Forest University Profile

Wake Forest University, founded in 1834, is a private liberal arts university. Though small, it has the resources of a much larger institution. Students choose Wake Forest over other similar schools for many reasons, including its small classes, the breadth and availability of its study abroad programs, the strength of its academic programs (particularly accounting and other preprofessional programs) and the commitment to community service, reflected in its 700-member Volunteer Service Corps. Other factors, such as individualized instruction and Atlantic Coast Conference sports, also distinguish Wake Forest. In 1996, Wake Forest launched a comprehensive plan to enhance undergraduate education. The plan has brought greater use of computer technology to the university. All freshmen receive IBM ThinkPads when they arrive on campus, and students have quick and easy access to the university’s sophisticated computer network from practically anywhere on campus, including classrooms and residence halls. The plan’s many other features include the introduction of first-year seminars (many of which give freshman their first opportunities to use their new laptop computers), the hiring of additional faculty and new scholarships. The 340-acre campus is located in Winston-Salem, adjacent to 150-acre Reynolda Gardens, and has many modified Georgian buildings.